72 research outputs found
Genome-wide Identification and Characterization of Hsp70 gene family in Pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum)
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are a class of
molecular chaperons which are crucial for protein
folding, assembly, and translocation in many
normal cellular processes. They stabilize proteins
and membranes, and can assist in protein
refolding under stress conditions in plants. Pearl
millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is highly abiotic
stress tolerant, but its Hsps have not been
characterized. In the present study, PgHsp70
genes were retrieved and gene information
analyzed in order to characterize their structure,
localization and functions. Genome-wide
screening using the tools of bioinformatics
identified 18 PgHsp70 genes in the pearl millet
genome which have been categorized into four
subfamilies depending on their cellular localization
such as endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria,
chloroplast and cytoplasm. Number of introns
ranged from 0-11 in PgHsp70 family genes and
the genes are located across 1 to 7 chromosomes.
Phylogenetic analysis of Hsp70s revealed that
they are closely related to Sorghum Hsp70s.
Promoter analysis showed the presence of cisacting elements such as GCN4, HSE, LTR, MBS,
ABRE, MYB, and TC Aassociated with abiotic
stress conditions indicating the involvement of
these genes in the abiotic stress. Under vapour
pressure deficit (VPD) conditions, leaf and root
tissues of VPD-sensitive ICMR 1152 line, showed
mild expression and in the presence of high VPD,
VPD-insensitive ICMR1122 PgHsp70 genes
showed high expression in leaf and root tissues
in comparison with VPD-sensitive line. Gene
PgcHsp70-1 displayed high transcript level under
high VPD conditions. These results expand our
horizon of understanding of the structure and
function of Hsp70s, especially under abiotic stress
conditions which can further be validated and
employed in breeding programs and genetic
engineering
An observational cohort study to produce and evaluate an improved tool to screen older women with back pain for osteoporotic vertebral fractures (Vfrac): study protocol.
The aim of this study is to produce an easy to use checklist for general practitioners to complete whenever a woman aged over 65 years with back pain seeks healthcare. This checklist will produce a binary output to determine if the patient should have a radiograph to diagnose vertebral fracture. PURPOSE: People with osteoporotic vertebral fractures are important to be identified as they are at relatively high risk of further fractures. Despite this, less than a third of people with osteoporotic vertebral fractures come to clinical attention due to various reasons including lack of clear triggers to identify who should have diagnostic spinal radiographs. This study aims to produce and evaluate a novel screening tool (Vfrac) for use in older women presenting with back pain in primary care based on clinical triggers and predictors identified previously. This tool will generate a binary output to determine if a radiograph is required. METHODS: The Vfrac study is a two-site, pragmatic, observational cohort study recruiting 1633 women aged over 65 years with self-reported back pain. Participants will be recruited from primary care in two sites. The Vfrac study will use data from two self-completed questionnaires, a simple physical examination, a lateral thoracic and lateral lumbar radiograph and information contained in medical records. RESULTS: The primary objective is to develop an easy-to-use clinical screening tool for identifying older women who are likely to have vertebral fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This article describes the protocol of the Vfrac study; ISRCTN16550671
Subclinical hypothyroidism in women planning conception and during pregnancy: Who should be treated and how?
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), a mild form of hypothyroidism defined as elevated TSH with normal free thyroxine levels, is a common diagnosis among women of reproductive age. In some, but not all, studies, it has been associated with infertility, an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, and possibly with an increased risk of neurocognitive deficits in offspring. Despite wellestablished recommendations on treatment of overt hypothyroid pregnant women, a consensus has not yet been reached on whether to treat women with SCH. This review focuses on examining the evidence informing the clinical strategy for using levothyroxine (LT4) in women with SCH during pregnancy and those who are planning conception. A crucial first step is to accurately diagnose SCH using the appropriate population-based reference range. For pregnant women, if this is unavailable, the recommended TSH upper normal limit cutoff is 4.0 mIU/L. There is evidence supporting a decreased risk for pregnancy loss and preterm delivery for pregnant women with TSH > 4.0 mIU/L receiving LT4 therapy. LT4 treatment has been associated with better reproductive outcomes in women with SCH undergoing artificial reproductive techniques, but not in those who are attempting natural conception. Thyroid function tests need to be repeated throughout pregnancy to monitor LT4 therapy. In addition to potential harms, LT4 contributes to treatment burden. During a consultation, clinicians and patients should engage in a careful consideration of the current evidence in the context of the patients' values and preferences to determine whether LT4 therapy initiation is the best next step. © 2018 Endocrine Society
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